Author Archive
14 November 08, Norm Brodsky Talks to STF
Can you build a successful business in a tough economy? The short answer is yes. Norm Brodsky, today’s guests has done it not once, but twice. Most business owners are familiar with his name. Brodsky, co-authors a small business advice column in Inc. Magazine called Street Smarts. He is also the co-author of the recently released book entitled, The Knack: How Street Smart Entrepreneurs Learn to Handle Whatever Comes Up.
Brodsky recommends specific business fundamentals in this half-hour, so don’t miss Sparks to Flame this week.
Archives of Norm Brodsky’s advice column Street Smarts.
Purchase The Knack: How Street Smart Entrepreneurs Learn to Handle Whatever Comes Up.
Producers and consumers as healers?
Our nation’s 31st President, Herbert Hoover, said,
“Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement. Economic wounds must be healed by the action of the cells of the economic body - the producers and consumers themselves.”
Like then we too face economic uncertainty. Since you are the producers and consumers, rather than look to outside sources to help ignite what ails us, instead look inside. You can make a positive changes to move your business forward. What are you doing to ensure the viability of your business? We’d like to know.
31 October 2008 Darryl Lyons of Pax Financial Group
Let’s face it; we all go into business to provide savings for our families. Whether it is your childs college fund, or retirement, lately the market can be stressful. Should we keep our money where it is, or cut and run? This week’s guest, Darryl Lyons of Pax Financial Group (http://www.paxfinancialgroup.com) is here to help us with the unknown.
Is your business looking for cash and you want to know if you should pull the money out of your 401k, Darryl addresses this issue? Should you start a new business with your 401k or should you save for this new venture? Darryl has an opinion.
Whatever your financial woes, remember to put some balance in your life and find something to do for fun and enjoyment. Sit in the spa; take the dog for a run; play with your children or grandchildren at the park; or start your honey do list. How do you relax, tell us at www.sparks2flame.com/forums.
24 Oct 08 STF Welcomes Roni Lynn Deutch, the Tax Lady
Join Sparks to Flame as we listen to the energetic and information Roni Lynn Deutch, talk tax law. Deutch debunks a few myths and tells us which industries are more likely than others to receive that dreaded attention from the IRS. In this enjoyable half hour, you’ll learn what to do and say if you receive a letter from the IRS.
If you are unfamiliar with Ms. Deutch, she has been helping folks like us nationwide for over 17 years. Her Professional Tax Corporation offers a multitude of services that we will discuss. Visit her site, http://www.ronideutch.com or give her a call at 1-888-TAX-LADY.
17 October 08 Adam Hartung
Talk about creativity; this weeks guest, speaks the language all successful business owners need to understand. He is the CEO of Spark Partners, a strategic consultancy firm. Hartung is the author of Create Marketplace Disruptions, which we plan to discuss at a future date. His book encapsulates his belief that one needs to get outside the box, and then think. Hartung’s book outlines his process known as The Phoenix Principal. He has been developing and honing this process for the past 12 years with company’s such as, PepsiCo, DuPont and Computer Science Corporation. As the proponent of business improvement models, I encourage you to listen as Adam discusses what it will take for your business to succeed in the future. I know you will find him as engaging and thought provoking as I.
Sparks to Flame can’t wait to have him on the show again in the near future. In the meantime, purchase an autographed copy of his book by visiting, https://checkout.google.com/view/buy?o=shoppingcart&shoppingcart=710625039455830
You can also read his blog at http://www.thephoenixprinciple.com.
Creativity; a benefit in business?
Norman Vincent Peale, most notably the author of The Power of Positive Thinking, said:
“Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.”
I like this quote, especially now, when it is a time for creative strategies to help us move forward, as individuals, business owners and a nation. We need positive solutions and suggestions and creative business ideas to move through this difficult financial time. I don’t know about you; but I don’t want my son, or grandson to be left paying for the mistakes of previous generations. Instead we must let our hearts and minds, lead us to developing ideas and strategies that ultimately, allow our businesses and economy to start moving forward.
10 Oct. 08 Paul Henry of Henry and Associates, LLC Talks Economy and Politics
My friend and mentor Paul Henry of Henry and Associates, LLC joins STF to talk economy and politics. Henry’s background makes him for this discussion. He began his legal career at Manatt, Phelps, and Philips, in Washington, D.C., where he focused on administrative agency law, practicing before a number of federal agencies. Following this tenure, Henry was appointed to serve as General Counsel to a subcommittee of the United States Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where he assisted in the development of environmental legislation, including attempts to reauthorize The Clean Water Act, The Clean Air Act, CERCLA, and other bills. Henry also has held several politically appointed posts in the federal government and has served as a senior staff member in the House of Representatives. In addition, he served as a senior legislative advisor and Regional Director for now Senate Majority Leader, U.S. Senator Harry Reid, and was elected to two terms as Chairman of the Nevada State Democratic Party. Paul Henry is President/CEO of Henry & Associates, LLC, since 1997 and has provided assistance and guidance to a large number of diverse companies in areas of business development, finance and strategic positioning issues. Henry has served in senior corporate positions with a number of early stage companies and has advised and helped to secure financing for industries as diverse as banking, gaming, biotech, and alternative energies.
Join us as Paul talks about the historical decisions that lead to this moment and what it may mean for our future. He is optimistic, as we are Americans and will come through this challenge victorious.
Send us your feedback, or visit the link to our forum and continue the conversation on line.
Patience and Determination Key To Facing Economic Challenges
This week’s quote is brought to you by an unknown author, who said,
“Determination, patience and courage are the only things needed to improve any situation.”
As we face uncertain economic times, we all need to exercise patience prior to reacting. In business when money gets tight often the first thought is to layoff good, loyal people. At Sparks to Flame we advocate to instead improve your processes, reduce waste, and to focus on better quality to improve your bottom-line. This is far more affordable and you’ll need those employees to serve the new and existing customers who appreciate your quality service and efficiently run operation. Show your determination and courage to succeed, and we will weather the storm, coming out on the other side stronger than we are today.
Contact STF for help improving your processes at 702-448-7466.
3 Oct 2008 Economy and Business
We depart from our regular format to address business owners concerns about our economy. The week started with the House rejecting the $700 billion bailout bill sending stocks tumbling. As of Thursday, the Senate passed another version and with expectations the House will comply.
Will these actions alleviate business owners worries? To address the concerns of our listeners, the STF show, will speak to Dr. Thomas Carroll, a Consulting Economist, UNLV professor, business owner (http://www.thomascarrollandassociates.com) and published author. Carroll will address the bailout bill (not call rescue bill); and its possible positive and/or negative impact on our economy.
Next Chris McKee, Founder and Managing Partner of Venturity Financial Partners (http://www.venturity.net). Over the past couple of years they’ve grown at a rate of 300%. Venturity Financial Partners, offering outsourced solutions for your businesses financial and accounting needs. McKee is optimistic on business owners ability to sustain themselves throughout this situation.
At Sparks to Flame we focus on a continuous process to help you weather adversity. Remember your business has elements analogous to building a fire; therefore, there are times you must continue to revisit your processes, continually making things better. If you have not looked at your processes in a while; you probably are not running as efficiently as possible. We’d love to help you build and maintain a strong flame.
Strength in the face of economic adversity…
Today’s quote is attributed to Arthur Golden, the author of Memoirs of a Geisha, who said:
““Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.”
At the time Golden made this statement, he may not have had economic adversities in mind; however it is still applicable. Remember, all types of adversities are part of life and they usually bring with them big lessons for us to learn, grow and shape up as individuals, as business owners, citizens and as a nation. Keep the faith, we will persevere and overcome.